Mission

The Big Event at Virginia Tech is a student-run community service effort that has grown into the 2nd largest event of its kind in the nation. Every spring, thousands of students, faculty, and staff come together to complete hundreds of community service projects throughout Blacksburg, Christiansburg and the New River Valley.

Projects are completed regardless of need or socioeconomic status; instead, it is The Big Event’s goal to simply say, “Thank you.” Seeded in our university’s motto of Ut Prosim (That I may serve) students and community members come together for a truly unparalleled experience.

The Big Event: “One Big Day. One Big Thanks.”

History

Starting in 2002, The Big Event at Virginia Tech has grown exponentially. Rooted in Virginia Tech’s motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), The Big Event has provided an opportunity for the entire Virginia Tech community to join together and thank the surrounding communities of Virginia Tech.

As you can see in the graphs below, the 2002 Big Event saw about 475 volunteers with 60 projects. This past year, The Big Event 2017 saw 8,223 volunteers complete 1,174 projects.